This paper synthesizes the conceptual and empirical literature on place-based approaches to meeting the needs of young children and their families. A specific focus of the paper is on the potential contribution of place-based approaches to service reconfiguration and coordination. Outline

This literature review was commissioned by the Office for Children and Early Childhood Development, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), as part of its Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) Reform Project (Stage 2): Developing Options and Next Steps. This Project aims to significantly enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of Victoria’s ECIS system...

Major social, demographic and economic changes in Australia over the last 50 years have dramatically altered the conditions in which families are raising children. There is evidence that a significant number of children are facing worsening developmental and social outcomes as a result of this ‘social climate change’.

In its relatively short history, the field of early childhood intervention has evolved rapidly, and a number of well-documented trends have become evident. In response to social change and service developments, the field has continued to evolve and a number of emerging trends can also be identified.

There is evidence that the increasing prosperity that Australia and other developed nations have experienced over the past few decades has not brought with it corresponding increases in psychosocial and health functioning. On the contrary, there is increasing evidence that these are worsening. It has become increasingly apparent that there is need to reconfigure the...